Becoming Visible

As you will learn during your networking efforts, being visible can literally be considered the bottom line of networking.

Making yourself visible is an important key to becoming a successful networker. Learning how to take advantage of your senses and tapping into opportunities can make you available to be seen and maximize your potential as a networker.

I find that by using and incorporating the basic senses such as,

• Seeing
• Hearing
• Smelling
• Tasting,

you can create some memorable experiences. By using the senses, you draw the attention necessary to be noticed, and people will remember you because of this.

Networking strategy # 4: Becoming Visible

Using your senses: Allow people to get a sense of who you are, including the physical sense. Always bring in the senses as often as possible when meeting people. Here are some ways to use the senses and make others notice you:

• HEAR: Speak about your products or services.
• SEE: Create visual graphics, such as brochures and flyers that are appealing to the eye.
• SMELL/TASTE: If appropriate, cook or bake things that are interrelated to your business. (this works great if you own a cookie store!) As in any business, samples given to people may sell your product better than a brochure. Giving things away is another source of staying visible.
• TOUCH: Taking the time to offer a sincere handshake puts you on the path to being remembered.

Although each of the senses previously mentioned have they’re strong points, the most important sense is the ability to see (and be seen). To develop this area, you must use another of your senses-your common sense. To be seen means you must get out and take advantage of the opportunities available to you. The following list shows a few things you can do to be visible in your community.

• BE SEEN: Attend Chamber of Commerce meetings, church groups, singles groups, Indy Women Connect meetings, networking groups, committee or board meetings for organizations in which you belong, seminar programs, workshops, and so on. All of these activities get you out into the community where you can seen by others who share your common goals.
• BE HEARD: Evaluate possible opportunities for TV and radio talk-show appearances, giving speeches or offering your opinion. You can also write articles for your local newspaper or association newsletters. Remember, it's important to express yourself and let people know how you feel. Letting people know how you think shows that you care and helps to build confidence. Start getting out more if you need to meet people. Will Rogers once said that "you may be on the right track but if you're just sitting there you may get run over".

In Summary

Making yourself visible is an important key to becoming a successful networker. Learning how to take advantage of the senses and tapping into opportunities that make you available to be seen can maximize your potential as a networker. GOOD QUESTION: What are you doing to become even more visible?